Human hydatid disease is caused by infestation with the eggs of the dog tapeworm, echinococcus granulosus. It is acquired by ingesting the eggs of the tapeworm, which are excreted in dog faeces. The eggs develop into cysts that can settle in any part of the human body, including the lungs, liver or brain. Humans can only catch hydatid disease from dogs; it cannot be transmitted in any other way. The only treatment of human hydatid disease, until recently was surgical removal of the cysts. If the cysts were burst during removal they would release thousands of daughter cysts into the body, each with a capability of becoming new adult cysts. Today, a drug has been developed that can give satisfactory results but can in itself produce toxic reactions.E.granulosus is a tapeworm, 3-9mm in length, consisting of 3-4 segments. The end segment becomes able to produce eggs. Eggs that are released from the segment, pass into the faeces of dogs The parasitic eggs are microscopic and sticky. Humans can pick up the worm eggs from areas where the dog has dirtied or by stroking or by being licked by an unwormed dog. Humans can also pick up the worm eggs if they eat vegetables, fruit or salad from an infected area where a dog has been allowed to dirty. Therefore it is important that all vegetables and fruit are washed before being eaten. It is essential that personal hygiene is of a good standard to prevent human ingestion.
Sadly dogs become infected with E. granulosus due to the fact that owners do not follow the simple precautionary procedure of worming their dogs. Regular worming of dogs is the vital preventative measure that ensures transmission of the disease does not occur. The only preparation that will kill the E. granulosus tapeworm is Dronsit or Drontal Plus (which kills roundworms as well). Any other worming pill will not kill this tapeworm. Dronsit and Drontal Plus can only be purchased from a vet. Hydatid affects all dogs, working and pet alike. Working dogs on farms are recommended to be wormed every six weeks and should be prevented from scavenging on sheep carcasses. Pet dogs should be wormed about every twelve weeks to be safe. . Dogs are infected by eating raw offal or scavenging on sheep carcasses that contain cysts. Sheep and humans become infected by contact with the faeces of infected dogs. Hydatid disease is more prevalent in the sheep rearing counties of the UK.
The prevention of hydatid disease is simple, worm your dog.
By caring for our dog's health and welfare, our own good health follows. It is, after all a small price to pay for the devotion and enjoyment we all receive from the ever-faithful companions that we call man's best friend, the dog.